The federal government announced Friday it’s reinstating nearly $145 million in grants for California after-school and summer programs. But these returned funds come with a catch.
The federal government withheld $800 million of education grant funds last month because the White House found the programs violate the U.S. Constitution. Now, part of that funding is being returned as long as the programs follow the Civil Rights Act. It’s not the first time the act has been used to challenge diversity initiatives.
A spokesperson from California AfterSchool Network says this is a “big relief” since the funding freeze caused a lot of turmoil with forced layoffs and program terminations. It also affected teacher development programs. The money is especially needed for low-income students who rely on these programs to stay on track academically.
Still, grants for migrant students remain frozen. Additionally, President Trump said next year's federal budget may eliminate after-school programs.
